. >> he says this is a big chance for the president to sell his balanced deficit reduction. the goal is to basically move public opinion forward so that moves congress. do you think the president will be able to accomplish that? >> reporter: that's the $64,000 question about this, isn't it? it's a great opportunity to get out there and take your message to the american people and go over the heads of congress and try to argue for what you believe in. on the other hand, we've seen at various times in modern history, whether it was ronald reagan or bill clinton or more, you can have a great soaring speech but it doesn't always translate into activity. i always remember ronald reagan dropping the big, thick bill that was passed at the last minute to keep the government running. and he said never more would he sign one of these to keep the government running. and about eight months later, he did the same. so sometimes yes, you get a major push out of these speeches. sometimes they are quickly forgotten. >> we'll find out tonight at 6:00 california time. thank you, jamie. you can